This Sunday we are told for the second time in Mark's gospel that the disciples are too busy even to eat.  And so, it was time to get away and rest, but when they reached the place a crowd was waiting for them.  It’s interesting that Jesus did not insist that the disciples take their day off and ignore the needs of the crowd.  Instead we are told that "he set himself to teach them (the crowd) at some length."  The needs of the crowd came first- over and above his own needs, tiredness and hunger.  This was meant not only to serve as a powerful example to Jesus’ first disciples but to us all.

True Christian Catholics are recognized first and foremost through their generosity and concern for others- over and above their own needs and concerns.  Of course, we do need to take good care of ourselves and avoid burning ourselves out, but selfishness or self-centeredness has no place in our faith or church.

 Despite being tired and hungry and seeking to rest for a while, we are told that when he saw the vast crowd, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them.  Is your heart moved with pity by the needs of those around you?  What our world needs most today is more people willing to be shepherds instead of being sheep.

God Loves You,

Fr. Dunn

Please join us in welcoming

Dorothy Alexandra Johnson

and

Finley Rebelo Crump

      to the St. Gregory Family!

Something that is very important to both Fr. Ford and I, is Adoration of the Blessed 

Sacrament.  We both are deeply devoted to Jesus in the Eucharist.  Prayer, especially in front of the real presence of Our Lord, is what supports and blesses the work we do at St. Gregory.  Without regular and devout prayer in the presence of Our Lord, a Parish will truly suffer.  Therefore, we will offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for one hour (from immediately after the 8 AM Mass to 9:30 AM).  Going forward this will continue every Friday.  I encourage you to help bring blessings to both our Parish and your personal life by joining us for this Holy Hour.  Thank you ahead of time for your interest and prayers!

Join other families in the Diocese in saying the Rosary every Sunday at 7:30 pm. 

Visit www.formationreimagined.org and click on the praying hands. 

If you have any questions, please email Rosary@diobpt.org

Non Abbiate Paura

I grew up with an echo of Saint John Paul the II to young adults on every occasion of a World Youth Day, “Non abbiate Paura” / Do not be afraid! 

In every calling and in every yes to do God’s will, I have learned to make this my motto. Do not be afraid! This motto remains echoing in me as I become the pastoral associate of Saint Gregory the Great Parish. It is our God who sends the invitation and He Himself who by His Holy Spirit makes all things new and fills us with His courage and fortitude. 

Today I come before you my dear community, and I would like to invite you also to not be afraid.

For 20 years I travelled around the world as a missionary at the Community Sweet Mother of God. A Society of Apostolic Life, where I professed for many years the evangelical counsels before discerning my vocation to matrimony. During these years I got my Bachelors in Theology and later on in Education followed by a Masters of Art in ED. I’ve worked closely with youth and family ministry. I also lived for a couple of years at a Benedictene Monastery, being responsible for the Formation of the Pre-Seminary in my former Diocese. During this journey I had the blessing to meet many women and men of God, such as Saint John Paul the II and Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare movement. Meeting them and working together has enriched my Ecclesiastical path and brought to my life experiences that I will always cherish.

I arrived with my family, not just at this amazing parish, but in this country 2 years ago. My husband and I chose Saint Gregory the Great Parish to be our community after enrolling our 8 year old daughter Chiara and 5 year old son Christian at Saint Gregory the Great School. I would like to thank Mrs. Curra for an outstanding team and for making us feel so welcome while moving to a new country. We’ve been blessed in so many ways by being part of the school community.  

Considering how long I’ve been in the Parish, I don’t know many people, nor all your families. Nevertheless, if you introduce me to those you know in our community whom have not received the sacraments, if you let me know who needs to be encouraged and come back to their faith and, if above all, brothers and sisters you help me, we’ll have a tremendous year towards faith formation, groups of prayer, Bible studies and more. We’ll have our youth and families gathering with joy and purpose. 

With hope and love for Christ and the holy mother Church, consecrating this new mission to our Lady, let’s go fourth fearless and we’ll see great things happening.  

“Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ!”   

(Saint John Paul the II) 

Your sister in Christ,

Priscilla Wanderley

meets every Saturday 

morning at 8 a.m.

 in the church.

Come join us!

for 2021-2022 Faith Formation classes has begun. 

 Forms were emailed to all current students.

 They can also be found at all entrances to the church

 as well as on our website. 

 If you did not receive a form or are new to the program 

          please call Darlene at the office at 203 –797 –0222 for information.

The Women of St. Gregory meet the 2nd 

Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. 

in the Parish Hall.

New members are always welcome!

Women’s Sewing  and Craft/Weaving  Group meet 

Monday at 12:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall  and 

Thursday at  7:00 p.m.  in the Church Hall.

 Questions, contact Isabel King  at 203 –512-7307 or Evelyn De Felice at 203-792-0824

Starting in October the Prayer Shawl  Ministry will meet every  first and third  Saturday of the month at 9:30. a.m. in the Parish  Church Hall.  

Please join us with your yarn and needles. 

 Contact Stephanie Martin at 

stephaniemartin@outlook.com for additional information. 

We have a new Men’s Group here at St. Gregory the Great:  Cornerstone.  

This group will meet every 

first Tuesday of the month and will 

include prayer, Scripture, and topics of discussion to be determined by the participants.  

We will be meeting in the Church Hall.  This will be an informal group, 

open to all the men of our Parish.

 I hope to see you there!

August 21st and 22nd

10 am to 4 pm in the Parish Center

We are seeking Craft Vendors.

If you would like to participate please contact 

Rosemary Bouffard - rosemary.bouffard@gmail.com

We are also seeking basket item donations and 

completed baskets for our basket raffle. 

For more information please contact 

Evelyn DeFelice - mrsde43@gmail.com. or 

Betty Finelli - bettyfinellimsw@att.net

More information will follow in the coming weeks

A discussion group about Catholic women; their influence on us and on faith. 

Meets every other Wednesday morning at 10am 

(June through September) via zoom.

For more information, please contact Felicia at fpaduano@comcast.net

Advertisements can be purchased for a business, family, 

or a sponsor ad can be purchased supporting community service 

organizations like emergency pregnancy counseling or the battered women’s shelter, etc. 

We need and appreciate your help.

If you are interested or would like more information,

 please call Jim  Bochiechio  at (781) 389-2198.

Thank you in advance for your generous support, and please patronize our advertisers!

Part Time Technology Teacher

These are immediate openings. 

Resumes should be sent to Suzanne Curra at sgs.curra@sgtgs.org

Enjoy a fun day of golf at Danbury’s Richter Park while 

supporting the Charitable Works of McGivney Council #29 

Knights of Columbus! 

The outing is open to all men and women. 

For more information contact: KofC29@gmail.com or 203.744.9652 

                            Eric Mandzuk, Irene Anderson, Tommie DeSantis, Robert 

Carolan, Linda Salvador, Amandio Dos Santos, Vicki Denicola, Dave Sutton, Joe Vick, Isiah Matthew,  Arlene Kuderna, Valerie Geerer, Ellen Boyle, Kenneth Towery, Dr. John Famigletti, Mark Cefaloni, Susan Gallagher, John Muro, Carol Gershkowitz, Dr. Ephram Rebong, Doris Ryan, Sharon Tharas, Craig Studer,  Anthony Pelle, Jr., David and Darlene Collins and the Rutledge and Houlihan Families.

Birthright is an emergency pregnancy service offering free pregnancy           

                    tests, friendship, counseling, and practical support.  Our guiding principle: It is the RIGHT  of every pregnant woman to give BIRTH and the RIGHT of every child to be BORN. Birthright has served in Connecticut since 1972 and helped thousands of mothers and babies. There are 8 Birthright locations in our state. Please call 1-800-550-4900 for the Birthright nearest you. Training is provided. Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed. If you have  gently worn MATERNITY or BABY CLOTHING please call to arrange a drop off! Thank you!!!

Contact:

Diocese of Bridgeport Project Rachel Ministry 

203-416-1619

projectrachel@diobpt.org

Come back to God who is love & mercy

                                       Total Pledged:                                          $840,215

                                      Total Collected (As of 5/6/21):               $404,493 (48%)

To Make a payment on your pledge, please visit

                             GiveCentral.org/WSWC or call 203-648-9050  

July 4 2021

$7,566.79